Esa Pekka Salonen réussit son Beethoven…

By Gilles Lesur, 08 December 2015

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“Une belle discipline collective et un bonheur de jouer que l’on ne retrouve pas si souvent.”

Reviewed at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris on 7 December 2015

Beethoven, Zur Namensfeier Overture, Op.115

Brahms, Violin Concerto in D major, Op.77

Beethoven, Symphony no. 2 in D major, Op.36

Philharmonia Orchestra

Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor

Arabella Steinbacher, Violin

Classical grace and Romantic eloquence from the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 7th May

The contrasting delights of Schumann, Brahms and Dvořák are powerfully evoked in performances of charm, eloquence and high drama from the Philharmonia, continuing the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

****1

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

A Resurrection for the ages: Kent Nagano conducts the Philharmonia

Eleanor Knight, 19th March

Any performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an event, but this mighty Philharmonia account at the Royal Festival Hall proves extra special.

*****

A brilliant UK premiere of John Adams’ After the Fall

David Karlin, 25th February

The Icelandic pianist and Finnish conductor make a superb case for John Adams' latest concerto; the Philharmonia play Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé strongly but don't convince completely.

****1

Renes replaces Runnicles in a remarkable Philharmonia Bruckner 8

Dominic Lowe, 19th February

Stepping in for Sir Donald Runnicles at very short notice, Lawrences Renes conducts the Philharmonia in a sleek and vivid reading of Bruckner's magisterial Eighth Symphony.

****1

Karpman’s opera Balls tells a great story, but overshoots the line

David Karlin, 20th November

An entertaining portrayal of the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs is marred by ham-fisted amplification.

**111

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Gilles Lesur

Tombé à l’âge de 10 ans dans la musique grâce à une manécanterie il n’en est plus jamais ressorti. Quelques années après il rejoignait un grand chœur parisien tout juste fondé avant de réussir simultanément le concours de médecine. Depuis il mène de front ces deux passions !